An NGO is a formal association of people who voluntarily come together for a particular purpose. Among these are NGOs working specifically on the environment and related development issues. NGOs can play a variety of roles ranging from leadership to support. The involvement of a particular NGO would depend on the scope of the problem, and the time, skills and capacity of the NGO.

If you feel strongly about an issue…
If you're tired of passing the buck…
If you want to do something to change things…
And if there isn't already an NGO working in that area that you can join,
You can start your own.

Some pointers at start-up...

Gather information on the issue

What exactly is the problem?

What is causing the problem?

Who are the persons/organisations responsible (for e.g. it could be a particular department of the government/an industry)?

What are the consequences going to be? Assess magnitude, quality and prevalence.

What are the alternatives/possible solutions?

Talk to others in the community to hear different views that will enable you to form your own holistic opinion.

Talk to people who are in-charge and hear their side of the issue. Tell them about the problems that you see.

You may be able to work towards solving problems together if you do not see yourself as hostile parties.

Connect with people to increase awareness

Discuss the issue with friends.

Approach people from house-to-house.

Ask older, influential or respected people to address public gatherings.

Use the media (local newspapers, radio, television and the internet) to generate interest, communicate the facts and discuss options.

Write polite, succinct letters that drive a point home without rambling.

Organise signature campaigns or melas.

Visit politicians who are involved with the issue.

Interact with people from diverse backgrounds, so that your organisation is not linked with any particular political party or religious sect.

Where do I get the money for such activities?

Irrespective of the scale of activities, you're going to need the money. But that needn't stop you from taking the step ahead.

You may charge a standard membership fee so you can pool resources.

You may consider local fund-raising activities.

Let people know why you need the funds and how they will be used. Transparent and detailed accounts are imperative to build trust.

Follow-up and Moving On…

Follow-up on any complaints you've made with the local administration.

Use the law. Often a court order may be best way to apply pressure, especially when there is urgency to stop an activity.

Link up with other NGOs/supportive groups.

Remember, "Yours is the earth and everything that's in it…" Treat it as you would 'yours', with responsibility and commitment.

You CAN make a difference.